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Hey all. Looking for an unbiased (hard I know) opinion on whether or not now is a good time to get back into 40k. I bought the Dark Vengeance box set when it came out the first time for 6th edition, but my FLGS closed, and most of the players near me were not happy with 6th edition, and so they stopped playing. So, thanks to all of that, I fell out of the hobby. I still have a ton of models, and occasionally paint them if the mood strikes.

What I am really curious about is whether 40k is in a healthy spot right now. Is it worth spending $85 on the rulebook, or is a new edition on the way? I've also seen things like codex supplements, and data slates (I think that's what they are called) what is that all about?

Anything else big that I have missed since 6th edition?

Thanks everyone!

Honestly, price, power level, everything aside, who do you have to play with is the biggest factor. Are there other people in your area? Does your brother/sister play? If no one around you plays 40k, I'd say no, don't get into it, unless you really like modeling.

If you didn't like 6th you won't like 7th.

Unbiased? Uhh, I'll try.

Prices are going up. Power level is going up. Balance continues to be stomped on. 7th is just 6th edition but with less restrictions on what you can bring, as well as more random aspects to the game (i.e. Maelstrom). So unless you have a close group of friends, I wouldn't bother. This edition has killed the fun in pick up games, so you need friends to house rule and discuss things with.

Play 5e.

Well... I think it really depends if you can find people to play with. In my opinion, I wouldnt drop $85 on a rulebook if its going to sit there collecting dust. I would first establish whether or not you will get some games in, then go from there.

You should also have the mood strike to paint more often. Its nice when you finally do play a game that you will have a painted or mostly painted army.

What nice about the started kits, you can try and sucker one of your friends that don't normally play give it a shot. Even though its not the newest rules, you can at least give them a taste of the game and hopefully you can hook them.

I have a few friends that like to play every now and then but they dont want to invest in an army... but thats ok because I have armies to support them lol.

Honestly, price, power level, everything aside, who do you have to play with is the biggest factor. Are there other people in your area? Does your brother/sister play? If no one around you plays 40k, I'd say no, don't get into it, unless you really like modeling.

That's a pretty good assessment imo.

On the negative side, a hobby that has almost always been a little on the expense side, has reached new heights in terms of cost and the game is slowly but surely returning to the days of late 2nd edition where, in order to play your army, you need to show up with three codexes, two White Dwarfs, a supplement, and 4 data slates. It's gotten crazy. Additionally, much like 2nd. Ed, games tend to run a little slower (it's not as bad as some would have you believe, but if you don't know your rules real well, it's going slow things more so than just about any previous edition).

On the plus side, we've never had access to more toys, more options, or had a more "open tool box". IMO it's simultaneously one of the most exciting periods in 40k as well as one of the most frustrating. lol

EDIT:
Just realized I never really completed my thought here. My suggestion is that if you have someone to play with, grab one of the small soft-cover rulebooks off Ebay (as Brother SRM mentions below), and have some small games with the minis you already have to see how it feels. If you like it, go for it. I think most of the warnings are coming from people who are in a slightly larger scene where things have gotten out of control in a competitive sense. If you are just starting out small and slow with a few like-minded friends, now is a really amazing time to be playing 40k.

If you can get stuff 2-d hand for half the price and don't mind geting rules 'for free' - go for it. It's good enough for that cost. 7-th is much better than 6-th.

Some people love the fact that you can get a big shiny titan-like thing in a regular game. Others hate it. Most superheavies are not that frightening, to be honest. Others are nuts. Basically, just like regular stuff. It's a matter of preference.

The game has a huge emphasis on mobility, so, if you hate 5-th ed style gunlines, you're lucky. Gunlines suck now.

Wow, thanks all great replies. Seems like the actual general consensus is no, which is actually quite shocking to be honest.

One thing I noticed missing for the replies so far is whether an 8th edition is on its way. I've been out of the rumor mill game for awhile, so I'm still not sure if I should just wait on the new rulebook or what.

I think I also read somewhere that they are going to get rid of the codexes, any truth to that?

An 8th edition is probably on the way, but not for some time yet. I'd just grab the 7th edition small softback rulebook and spend a lot less than $85. There's no evidence behind them removing codices either, so I wouldn't worry about that considering they're still putting new rulebooks out pretty regularly.

Power levels are going out of control, but only if you're using formations and the like. Most friendly groups who don't want to play super competitively won't use these formations and you can just play the game how you'd like. That's how I play, and I'm having a grand time with the hobby and the game. It all comes down to who you play with. GW also put out some starter boxes that save you a few bucks, and you can save even more by going through a discount retailer like the Warstore.

With all that in mind, I'd say now's as good a time as any to get into the game. A lot of GW's attention has been on Age of Sigmar, so things have been a bit quiet on the 40k side lately, which is fine by me since I need the time to catch up! I'm enjoying the game and you could be too.

 tyro_neophyte wrote:
Wow, thanks all great replies. Seems like the actual general consensus is no, which is actually quite shocking to be honest.

One thing I noticed missing for the replies so far is whether an 8th edition is on its way. I've been out of the rumor mill game for awhile, so I'm still not sure if I should just wait on the new rulebook or what.

I think I also read somewhere that they are going to get rid of the codexes, any truth to that?

I wouldn't say its a no, just a very cautious maybe. Again, you haven't really answered: how's your play group local?

Its not an awful time. those new box sets are dumb savings all around. with the Tau and admech one being more than a 40% savings. (with all models you generally use anyway)

but its all about the group you play with.

if no one plays then you are going to waste money. if everyone plays then you will get use out of your purchase.

8th is an eventuality. not an if.